Sacramento County grading regulated under County Code Chapter 16.44. Permits required for earthwork exceeding 50 cu yd, cuts/fills over specified depths, or work on steep slopes. Drainage must not be diverted onto neighboring properties. County drainage standards follow the Sacramento County Improvement Standards and Hydrology Manual.
Sacramento County Code Chapter 16.44 requires a grading permit for most earthwork projects including excavations, fills, and land disturbance exceeding 50 cubic yards or creating cuts/fills over specified heights (typically 3 feet unsupported). Permits require soils reports for significant projects, grading plans sealed by a licensed engineer for larger work, and erosion/sediment control BMPs. Drainage must comply with the Sacramento County Improvement Standards and the Hydrology Manual; developers must design facilities to handle the 10-, 25-, or 100-year storm event depending on project type. Post-construction discharges must not increase peak flows onto downstream properties (hydromodification rules). Common-law rules prohibit diverting surface water onto adjoining properties in a concentrated manner that causes damage. Work within 50 feet of a waterway or levee typically triggers additional requirements including SAFCA coordination and potentially a 404 permit from the Army Corps.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
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